Are There Grants for Felons in Tennessee? Yes, There is financial help, housing support, education aid, and job training available for felons in Tennessee. These programs help returning citizens in Tennessee rebuild their lives and regain stability. Popular programs include Tennessee Reconnect, Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA), and SNAP Employment & Training (SNAP E&T) offering help to individuals with felony records to pursue education, career training and other reentry support. This guide explains the best Tennessee assistance programs for people with felony records, eligibility rules, and how to apply.
Best Education Grants For Felons in Tennessee
There are education assistance programs for felons in Tennessee through Tennessee Reconnect, Tennessee Reconnect TCAT Grant. TSAA and Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant. These programs help felons to pursue education at a reduced cost or for free.
Tennessee Reconnect
Tennessee Reconnect is a Tennessee state education initiative that is specifically designed to help eligible students return to college and pursue education at a reduced cost. It is a last-dollar grant, which means that you can use this grant to cover the remaining tuition and mandatory fees after applying other federal or eligible grants. There is no fixed grant amount, it depends on the program and school costs.
This program can help individuals to pursue associate degrees, technical diplomas, certificates, and eligible career training programs at Tennessee community colleges and Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs). Returning citizens can apply for this state education initiative, if they meet all the eligibility requirements.
Eligibility For Tennessee Reconnect
To be eligible for Tennessee Reconnect, applicants must be a Tennessee resident, be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, be 23 years old by January 1 of the academic year OR qualify as an independent student on FAFSA, not currently incarcerated, do not hold any associate or bachelor’s degree, not be in default on federal student loans, enrolled in an eligible Tennessee community college or TCAT, take at least the minimum required credit hours, and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
How To Apply For Tennessee Reconnect?
You can apply through the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation portal. However, applicants need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid each year to determine financial eligibility. Next, apply to a Tennessee College and connect with a Reconnect Navigator to understand enrollment steps and aid options. For general queries about Tennessee Reconnect, call 1-800-342-1663.
Tennessee Reconnect TCAT Grant
The Tennessee Reconnect TCAT Grant is specifically for eligible adults attending a Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) by offering tuition-free or a very reduced cost. It is a last-dollar grant that helps cover the remaining balance after applying other federal grants like the Pell Grant. The award amount varies based on tuition costs and other financial aid received. Applicants with felony records can apply for the grant, if they meet the specified requirements.
Eligibility For Reconnect TCAT Grant
To be eligible for Reconnect TCAT Grant, applicants must be a Tennessee resident, qualify as an independent student on FAFSA, currently not incarcerated,not be in default on student loans, enroll full-time at a Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), must be pursuing a certificate or diploma, and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
How to Apply for Tennessee Reconnect TCAT Grant?
To apply for Tennessee Reconnect TCAT Grant, applicants must first be admitted to an eligible Tennessee College of Applied Technology. Completion of FAFSA is necessary to determine financial eligibility every year. If you are a TCAT student, there is no separate application for the Tennessee Reconnect. Your school will be processing your eligibility through FAFSA. To learn more, visit the official website of Tennessee Reconnect TCAT Grant. For general queries, call 1-800-342-1663.
Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA)
The Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA) is a need-based state grant that is offered to the eligible students in Tennessee to pay for college education. This grant is non-repayable, therefore the recipients do not have to worry about paying it back. The grant is available through approved Tennessee colleges, universities, private institutions, career schools, and Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs).
TSAA grant amount generally goes up to $4,000 for eligible private institutions and up to $2,000 for many public colleges, TCATs, and career schools. Individuals with felony records can apply for the grant, if they meet all eligibility requirements.
TSAA Eligibility for Felons
To be eligible for TSAA Eligibility for Felons, applicants must be a Tennessee residents, must complete FAFSA application, have a qualifying Student Aid Index (SAI), demonstrate financial need, be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at least half-time, must attend an eligible Tennessee college, university, TCAT, or career school, maintain satisfactory academic progress, not be in default on federal student loans, do not hold any bachelor’s degree and must not be currently incarcerated.
How To Apply For TSAA?
To apply for TSAA, applicants need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and choose an eligible Tennessee institution from the list. Need to get enrolled at least half-time in an approved Tennessee school. If approved, your school financial aid office will notify you about the award and it will directly reflect in your tuition cost. For general queries call 1-800-342-1663 or email them at [email protected].
Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant
The Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant is a Tennessee state education grant offered to the eligible students that are attending a Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) and pursuing career training to get jobs in high-demand fields like welding, HVAC, CDL, automotive, nursing support, industrial maintenance, and other skilled trades.
The grant offers up to $2,000 per academic year that can be used to cover tuition and other eligible education costs. Individuals with felony convictions can apply for the grant after release, if they meet all the requirements.
Eligibility For Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant
To be eligible for Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant, individuals must be a Tennessee resident, must be 18 years or older, be admitted to a Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), enrolled in an eligible certificate or diploma program, maintain satisfactory academic progress, must not have received this grant previously, currently not incarcerated, and must comply with school-specific admissions requirements.
How To Apply For Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant?
To apply for Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant, applicants need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid each year. Next, choose a Tennessee College of Applied Technology and get admission. The TCAT will determine eligibility of the applicant based on FAFSA. If approved, the applicant will get enrolled and receive the Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant through the college’s financial aid. To learn more visit the website of College for TN. To get direct assistance, call 1-800-342-1663.
Best Housing Grants For Felons in Tennessee
There are housing assistance programs for felons in Tennessee run by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA). Furthermore, there are other popular programs like Dismas House of Nashville, Project Return and Aphesis House.
Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)
The Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) is the state housing agency that offers help to the low- and moderate-income residents by providing them with affordable housing, rent assistance, homelessness support, homebuyer loans, down payment assistance, energy bill help, and housing rehabilitation programs. THDA does not have a statewide ban based solely on felony records, returning citizens can qualify by meeting program specific requirements. However, some landlords might run background checks and certain convictions, that may affect approval for the program.
Eligibility For Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)
To be eligible for the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) services, individuals must be Tennessee residents, meet income specific requirements, must have a valid ID and household documentation, pass program-specific screening, have acceptable rental history, must comply with the lender credit/income rules, currently not incarcerated, and have no disqualifying federal housing restrictions.
How To Apply For THDA Services?
To apply, visit the official website of THDA and choose a program according to your need. Most of the THDA programs are managed by local partner agencies or lenders. It is best to connect with them and they will guide you with application procedures. For general queries or to get direct assistance call 615-815-2200. The main office is located at the Andrew Jackson Building Third Floor, 502 Deaderick St., Nashville, TN 37243.
Dismas House of Nashville
Dismas House of Nashville is a well known reentry housing and support program that operates in Nashville, Tennessee to help out the formerly incarcerated men to successfully reintegrate back into the community. This non-profit organization provides structured housing, case management, employment assistance, life-skills training, recovery support, and community reintegration services. It is one of the most valuable resources for felons in Tennessee as it serves more than 120 men each year.
Eligibility For Dismas House of Nashville
To be eligible for Dismas House of Nashville, applicants must be recently released or preparing for release from incarceration from Nashville correctional facilities, applicants must be male, must be seeking for stable housing, willing to follow house rules and programming, able to participate in case management, and meet admission screening requirements.
How To Apply For Dismas House of Nashville?
To apply, visit the official website of Dismas House of Nashville and start your application for the Residential Reentry Program. You can contact the non-profit directly by calling (615) 297-4511 or by dropping an email – [email protected]. For admission email them at [email protected].
Project Return (Nashville & Chattanooga)
Project Return is a Tennessee nonprofit reentry organization founded in 1979, offering help to the formerly incarcerated men and women to rebuild lives after release. This non-profit mainly focuses on employment, job readiness, housing support, transportation help, identification documents, life coaching, and long-term reentry success.
It is the ideal place for the returning citizens to get quick help with structure support. The participants can start job-readiness training immediately after release and might get access to employment opportunities within a few days after program completion.
Eligibility For Project Return
To be eligible for Project Return services, individuals must have a felony background, recently released from incarceration or preparing for release, currently living in or planning to return in Tennessee, seeking employment and stable reentry services, willing to participate in classes/coaching, and must comply with the program rules.
How To Apply For Project Return?
To apply for Project Return services, contact the nearest office and look for the available services. This non-profit also accepts referrals and direct inquiries. A staff member will assess your needs and assign suitable programs that are aligned to the goals. If approved, applicants can start job-readiness and support services quickly.
Nashville Location
Address: 109 Lafayette St, Nashville, TN 37210
Phone: (615) 327-9654
Email: [email protected]
Chattanooga Location
Address: 2140 E. 28th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37407
Phone: (423) 609-8986
Email: [email protected]
Aphesis House For Felons
Aphesis House is a Tennessee nonprofit reentry and recovery housing program specifically to help out the formerly incarcerated men rebuild their lives after release. This non-profit is located in the Nashville / Madison area, offering transitional housing, recovery support, case management, employment readiness, life-skills coaching, and sober living services to the qualified applicants.
Additionally, the non-profit focuses on helping men to overcome barriers like homelessness, addiction, unemployment, and recidivism. Aphesis Houses has served more than 1,000 men and has a 81% completion rate for participants who complete the program.
Eligibility For Aphesis House Services
To be eligible for Aphesis House Services, individuals must be formerly incarcerated men, looking for housing after release, seeking for recovery support, willing to follow house rules and programming, motivated to work toward employment and independence, and able to participate in case management.
How To Apply For Aphesis House Services?
To apply to Aphesis House, individuals can contact the admission team directly by calling at (615) 742-3463 or by emailing at [email protected]. To learn about their services visit the official website of Aphesis House and request for intake information. Applicants need to complete a screening interview, if approved they can get reentry support from Aphesis House.
Best Job Training Grants For Felons in Tennessee
There are job training grants and other employment opportunities for felons in Tennessee through SNAP E&T, RESTART Grants, and Tennessee Office of Reentry (TOOR). These programs offer help with employment opportunities, learning new skills, or completing career training.
SNAP E&T in Tennessee
SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) in Tennessee is a free workforce development program available to the eligible SNAP recipients to get help with employment opportunities, learning new skills, or completing career training. This program is funded by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and administered through Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development with state and community partners. Individuals with felony convictions can apply for the SNAP E&T if they meet all the program rules.
Eligibility For SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T)
To be eligible for SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T), individuals must be a SNAP recipient in Tennessee, must be at least 16 years old, current not receiving TANF benefits, be willing and able to participate in work after training, must have legal authorization to work if required, and must comply with the program specific rules.
How To Apply For SNAP E&T in Tennessee?
To apply for SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) for felons in Tennessee, applicants need to apply for SNAP benefits through the Tennessee Department of Human Services by visiting OneDHS.tn.gov or by calling 833-772-8347. Once approved for SNAP, the applicants can request for enrollment for three SNAP E&T programs and a career navigator will guide with the overall application procedure.
RESTART Grants via Tennessee Partners
RESTART Grants are employment and reentry funding programs specifically designed to help individuals with criminal records through job training, industry certifications, apprenticeships, and permanent employment after release.
These programs and support are offered through state agencies, workforce boards, nonprofits, and community reentry partners. Remember, they do not offer direct cash grants, instead the eligible participants may receive free training, paid work experience, transportation help, tools, case management, and job placement support.
Eligibility For RESTART Grants in Tennessee
To be eligible for RESTART Grants, participants must have a felony record, currently released or nearing release from prison, have legal authorization to work in the U.S., seeking for employment, training, or reentry support, currently residing or planning to return in Tennessee, willing to complete training or job readiness services, and must comply with the program rules.
How To Apply For RESTART Grants in Tennessee?
To apply for RESTART Grants for felons in Tennessee, applicants need to contact their nearest American Job Center and ask if they are offering the RESTART grants. Applicants need to complete the intake forms and provide the requested documents to get enrolled. To learn more visit the Tennessee workforce website and know about the current ongoing programs. For general queries, email them at [email protected].
Tennessee Office of Reentry (TOOR)
The Tennessee Office of Reentry (TOOR) is a statewide program that is administered by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development to offer help to the formerly incarcerated individuals to return to the workforce and rebuild their lives after release. TOOR connects the eligible individual with felony records with jobs, career training, case management, supportive services, transportation help, expungement resources, and housing referrals.
Eligibility For Tennessee Office of Reentry (TOOR)
To be eligible for Tennessee Office of Reentry (TOOR), individuals who are recently released or preparing for a release, currently living or planning to return to Tennessee, in need of employment and other reentry support, are legally able to work when seeking jobs, willing to participate in services or training.
How To Apply For Tennessee Office of Reentry (TOOR)?
To apply for Tennessee Office of Reentry (TOOR) services, visit the official website of TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development. You can also email them at [email protected] and ask about the ongoing reentry programs. They will assign you with a reentry specialist who will connect you with available free Tennessee programs for the felons.
Legal Help For Felons Tennessee
Legal assistance for felons in Tennessee is available through organizations like Help4TN, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands and West Tennessee Legal Services.
The Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS) – Help4TN
The Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS) – Help4TN is a free legal resource for low-income residents, including felons. TALS offer assistance with solving civil legal problems and connect the users with legal information, self-help forms, referrals, and volunteer attorneys for issues such as expungement, driver’s license reinstatement, housing disputes, child support, employment barriers and other reentry help. To get help, visit the official website of Help4TN or call them at 844-HELP4TN (844-435-7486).
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
The Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands is a free nonprofit law firm that offers legal assistance to low-income residents, including felons. They operate mainly in Middle Tennessee, offering legal help for expungement, driver’s license reinstatement, housing issues, child support, public benefits, debt collection, domestic violence protection, and employment barriers. To apply, visit the official website of Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands or request assistance by calling 1-800-238-1443.
West Tennessee Legal Services
West Tennessee Legal Services (WTLS) is a nonprofit legal aid organization that offers legal help to the formerly incarcerated felons in West Tennessee with reentry support after release. The program assists individuals with expungement referrals, driver’s license reinstatement, housing disputes, child support and many other essential support. To apply, visit the official website of West Tennessee Legal Services or call them at 1-800-372-8346 for direct assistance.
Federal Programs Available For Felons in Tennessee
Federal government programs for felons in Tennessee include TANF, SNAP, Federal Bonding Program, Pell Grant and Medicaid. These programs offer support to the returning citizens in Tennessee with cash, food, employment, education and health support.
TANF For Felons in Tennessee
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), commonly known as Families First in Tennessee, offers financial aid for felons in Tennessee through cash assistance and employment support. However, the felons in Tennessee need to meet the basic program eligibility rules to qualify. There is no automatic ban on felons from TANF. You can apply for TANF in Tennessee through the Tennessee Department of Human Services online via the One DHS Customer Portal or by visiting a local county office. For further queries related to the program, call 1-833-772-8347.
SNAP For Felons in Tennessee
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Tennessee, commonly referred to as Food Stamps, helps low income individuals and families to buy groceries using an EBT card. Felons in Tennessee are eligible for SNAP as their felony record does not automatically disqualify anyone. The felons need to meet the standard rules of SNAP to receive food assistance. You can apply for SNAP in Tennessee through the Tennessee Department of Human Services online via the One DHS Customer Portal or by visiting a local county office. For general queries related to the SNAP program in Tennessee, call 1-866-311-4287.
The Federal Bonding Program
The Federal Bonding Program in Tennessee is a U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored hiring incentive that helps individuals with felony records by removing the barriers to employment. The Federal Bonds protect the employers from any kind of theft because of employee dishonesty for the first six months. The Federal Bond that is offered is $5,000. Thus, encouraging the employers to recruit felons in Tennessee without hesitation. Locate your nearest American Job Center in Tennessee and apply for the Federal Bonding Program. For more information about employment services in Tennessee, call 1-844-224-5818.
The Federal Pell Grant (Second Chance Pell)
The Federal Pell Grant is one of the largest U.S. need-based college financial aid programs that is available for felons in Tennessee. The individuals who had felony convictions in the past can apply for the Federal Pell Grant if they meet the basic program requirements. However, individuals who are currently incarcerated can apply for the Pell Grant through the Second Chance Pell initiative. Remember to submit your FAFSA application and to apply for Federal Pell Grant visit StudentAid.gov
TennCare
Medicaid in Tennessee, known as TennCare, is a health coverage program, available for felons if they meet program requirements. Having a felony conviction will not disqualify you from Medicaid in Tennessee. Felons can get access to essential healthcare services such as doctor visits, mental health care, substance-use treatment, hospital services, and prescription drugs after release. Felons in Tennessee can apply for Medicaid through TennCare or via the Tennessee Department of Human Services One DHS Customer Portal. For assistance or questions related to Medicaid in Tennessee, call 1-800-342-3145.
Is There Emergency Help For Felons in Tennessee?
Yes, emergency help for felons in Tennessee is available for felons after release. One of the most valuable resources that can offer immediately, is by simply dialing 211 and getting connected with local shelters, rent assistance, utility help, food pantries, and reentry programs in Tennessee. Visit TN 211 and explore the resources that are available near your area. Felons can also search on the web “emergency assistance for felons near me” and get connected to a number of programs nearby.
Bottom Line
Getting the right support for felons in Tennessee can make a major difference to rebuild their lives after release. From education help through Tennessee Reconnect, financial aid from TSAA, or job readiness support through Tennessee Office of Reentry (TOOR), other real help is available for the returning citizens to succeed. It is recommended to take time to review your eligibility requirements and apply for those programs based on your need. Start applying to the programs today to build a brighter future in Tennessee.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
How do I clear a felony record in Tennessee?
To clear a felony record in Tennessee, it is best to connect with organizations like Help4TN and Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands. You may qualify for expungement, however it depends on the type of offense, court costs, sentence completion and other specific rules.
When do voting rights come back after a felony in Tennessee?
After completing sentence requirements like probation, parole, and eligible legal obligations, the voting rights will be restored in Tennessee. However, individuals need to complete a rights restoration process and then register to vote again.
What does it take to get a driver’s license back after release in Tennessee?
To get a driver’s license back after release in Tennessee, individuals need to resolve court fines, suspensions, or compliance issues. For further guidance, individuals can connect with Help4TN and West Tennessee Legal Services.
Where can someone with a felony get mental health or addiction help in Tennessee?
Someone with a felony can get mental health or addiction help in Tennessee through TennCare, community clinics and local non-profit organizations. Additional services include counseling, substance-use treatment, medication support, and mental health care after release.
Is there any transportation help for people reentering society in Tennessee?
Yes, transportation assistance for formerly incarcerated individuals in Tennessee is available through Tennessee Office of Reentry (TOOR), Project Return, and other workforce programs. Some offer bus passes, rides to interviews and free transportation to attend job training.
What are the housing rules for someone with a felony in Tennessee?
Housing approval depends on the type of conviction, how long ago it happened, income level, and landlord or housing authority policies. It is recommended to talk to your landlord or program provider and go through a background screening.
Who helps with child support or family issues after incarceration in Tennessee?
Returning citizens in Tennessee can get help with child support or family issues through organizations like Help4TN and Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands. These resources can be really valuable for recently released felons for reentry.
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not guarantee eligibility, approval, or benefits from any Tennessee or federal program. Rules, funding, and application procedures may change without notice. Always verify details directly with official agencies, nonprofits, or program administrators before applying. We do not provide legal, financial, or government services. Individual circumstances, criminal history, and residency status may affect available assistance options.
